Learn Some Dog Tricks

At ‘The World With Dogs’

By Kendra Bobowick

Weather permitting, residents are invited to “The World With Dogs” — a canine education event in June that will demonstrate various work and play relationships developed with four-legged companions.

“See the work they can do and how much they are part of our lives,” said Joy S. Brewster of Cassio Kennels in Newtown, one of the event’s organizers. Guests will learn about dogs, how to perform CPR on a dog, veterinary practices, see working dog demonstrations, and more.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, businesses in the area of the Stony Hill business district (Stony Hill Road/Route 6 at the intersection of Old Hawleyville Road) will be coordinating special sidewalk sales and spring events.

On Sunday, pet lovers can attend an outdoor event at and surrounding the 4-H Fairfield County Agricultural Center, 67 Stony Hill Road., where they will find continuing sidewalk sales, an Amber Alert registration (at the new Union Savings Bank in front of Big y), and a handful of dog groomer, trainers, therapists, canine officers, veterinarians, seeing eye dog representatives, and others who were invited to enjoy the celebration. Sunday’s event is expected to run from noon to 4 pm.

Ms Brewster — a strong dog advocate and business owner hoping to bring attention to the Stony Hill district — offers her tips on owning a dog: Simple obedience training is a necessity, especially for the “cute puppy” that grows into a large breed.

“They get big, and it’s a small investment of time and effort to get the unconditional love from your dog,” she said.

A well-behaved dog, like a child, can go more places and do more things with its owner, she noted. And poorly behaved dogs are, in fact, poorly trained.

“You can’t blame them if they don’t do what you want if they have not been trained,” Ms Brewster explained.

While many people may train their dogs by rewarding them with treats, Ms Brewster promotes the positive verbal and touch reinforcement methods. “A lot of people only train with food, and the dog learns to focus on the food, not the commands,” she said. Residents are encouraged to “learn something they may not know” about dogs on June 7 and 8.

The event will be held at the Union Savings Bank on Route 6. For safety reasons, pet owners are asked to leave their own dogs at home. The bank and Cassio Kennels will sponsor the day. Along with Ms Brewster, co-chairs are Lisa Whitmore from UK Gourmet of Newtown, Madeline Bunt of Union Savings Bank in Bethel, and Frank Zagottis from Ray of Light in Bethel. If the first-time event works well this year, Ms Brewster ventured that they may plan The World With Dogs in the future.

For more information call 426-2881.